Episode 62: How Memories Out of the Box® Launched My Entrepreneurial Journey

Episode 62: How Memories Out of the Box® Launched My Entrepreneurial Journey

One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “How did you begin doing this work?” How did I go from being a New York City public school teacher to helping people preserve family stories and creating show-and-tell experiences around the world? The answer begins with a missing photograph. Many years ago, after leaving my position as a high school biology teacher in New York City, I found myself at a crossroads. I loved teaching and loved my students, but I had promised myself that if I ever felt truly burned out, I would make a change. While figuring out what might come next, I enrolled in an entrepreneurial training program called Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO). Although I didn’t yet know what kind of business I wanted to start, I remained curious and open to possibilities. During this time, I traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, to visit a dear friend I hadn’t seen in years. One of the biggest changes in her life since we’d last connected was that she had become an aunt. She was absolutely delighted by this new role and wanted desperately to share that joy with me. There was just one problem. The story she wanted to tell depended on a particular photograph, and she couldn’t find it. For much of my visit, she repeatedly disappeared into another room, returning with envelope after envelope filled with printed photographs. She searched through stack after stack, hoping to locate that one special image. Despite all of her efforts, she never found it. Watching her struggle sparked an important question: How many other people have meaningful photographs, letters, keepsakes, and memorabilia hidden away in boxes, unable to be easily found or shared? That single question became the inspiration for my first business: Memories Out of the Box®. The mission was simple but powerful: help people organize, curate, preserve, and tell the stories hidden within their personal archives. Whether working with photographs, letters, travel souvenirs, family documents, children’s keepsakes, or treasured heirlooms, I wanted to help people transform collections of “stuff” into meaningful visual narratives. At one point, I even opened a storefront in Brooklyn where clients could attend workshops, work alongside me, or have projects completed for them. Over time, I discovered that the work wasn’t really about scrapbooks, photographs, or memorabilia. It was about stories. I often tell people that our homes are personal museums. Every object we keep represents a relationship, a memory, a transformation, a loss, or an important chapter in our lives. The challenge isn’t simply preserving these things; it’s preserving the stories attached to them. Because without the story, even our most treasured possessions can lose their meaning. Today, through Things That Matter, Martifacts, and Show & Tales, I continue to explore the same question that inspired my first business decades ago: What stories are hidden within the things we keep? And perhaps more importantly: Are we taking the time to share them? ---------------------------------------- Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨ If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/ [https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/] WATCH HERE:                        OR LISTEN HERE:

Episode 61: The Ring That Carried Generations with Mary Reilly

Some objects become far more than possessions. They become bridges connecting us to people we’ve loved, places we’ve never seen, and stories that continue shaping our lives long after they’re told. In this episode of Things That Matter, I sat down with my longtime friend Mary Reilly, someone I’ve known since the earliest days of Show & Tales. More than a decade ago, when I was searching for a Manhattan venue to host my storytelling events, Mary generously opened the doors of Picnic Market & Café on New York City’s Upper West Side. That act of kindness began a friendship that continues to this day. For her “show and tell” item, Mary shared a beautiful aquamarine ring that once belonged to her mother. The ring was purchased during a round-the-world trip taken by her grandparents, entrepreneurial business owners who built a remarkable life despite having only limited formal education. Although Mary never met her grandmother, the ring has become a tangible connection to the woman whose determination, ambition, and resilience continue to inspire her. As Mary reflected on the ring’s history, the conversation expanded into stories of family legacy, the American Dream, entrepreneurship, addiction, recovery, cancer, and generational healing. Through this single object, she connected the experiences of multiple generations that have revealed how family stories continue to shape who we become. Mary also shared her current journey toward becoming a digital nomad, a lifestyle that requires thoughtful decisions about what possessions are worth carrying forward. When your life must fit into a few suitcases, every object must earn its place. The aquamarine ring remains because it represents so much more than jewelry. It represents identity, history, resilience, and connection. One of the most powerful moments of our conversation came when Mary spoke about her recovery journey. Now more than thirteen years sober, she reflected on breaking cycles of addiction that have affected multiple generations of her family. Looking at the ring reminds her not only of where she came from but also of how far she has traveled on her own path of healing and growth. Together, we explored one of the central themes of this podcast: it isn’t really the things that matter most. It’s the stories attached to them. Objects become meaningful because they help us remember who we are, where we’ve been, and the people who helped shape our lives. Mary’s story is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest heirloom can hold a lifetime of memories, and sometimes generations of them. As always, I encourage you to look around your own home and ask yourself: What objects tell your story? And more importantly, have you shared those stories with the people you love? Because stories, not things, are the true legacy we leave behind. To find out more about this beautiful human doing important healing work in the world, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryeuphemiareilly/ and Instagram at https://instagram.com/themaryreilly ---------------------------------------- Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨ If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/ [https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/] WATCH HERE:                       OR LISTEN HERE:

Episode 60: Why Sharing Family Stories Matters Before Downsizing with Bryan Devore

What happens to our memories, our family history, and the stories behind our belongings when we downsize, move, or pass things down, and those stories are never shared? In this episode of Things That Matter, I sit down with senior real estate specialist Bryan Devore for a meaningful conversation about downsizing, senior transitions, and the emotional weight of the things we keep. Bryan shares a powerful personal story about two baseballs he inherited from his grandfather, signed by Los Angeles Dodgers legends Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. While the baseballs themselves are special, what makes them truly unforgettable is what’s missing: the story behind how his grandfather came to own them. That missing piece becomes a powerful reminder of how easily family history can be lost if it is never shared. Together, Bryan and I explore what really happens during downsizing and major life transitions, especially for seniors moving from long-term homes into smaller spaces or senior living communities. We talk about how overwhelming it can be for families to sort through decades of belongings, and how often they are left trying to make sense of items without understanding the stories attached to them. One of the most important truths from this conversation is simple: without the story, even the most meaningful possessions eventually become just “stuff.” But when we take the time to share the memory, context, and meaning behind what we own, those same items become legacy pieces that connect generations. Bryan also shares insights from his work as a senior real estate specialist, supporting older adults and their families through some of the most emotionally complex transitions of their lives. From downsizing to aging in place to moving into senior living communities, his approach is rooted in education, compassion, and helping families understand their options before they are in crisis. These conversations are not just about real estate or organization; they are about preparing for life transitions with clarity, intention, and care. They are about making space for conversations that too often get delayed until it is too late. If you’ve ever thought about what you or your loved ones will leave behind, not just physically, but emotionally this episode is your reminder to start those conversations now, while stories can still be told and preserved. Because in the end, it’s never really about the things. It’s about the connections, the memories, and the stories that give those things meaning. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go of meaningful belongings or wondered how to preserve family memories for future generations, this conversation is for you. To find out more about this beautiful human doing important healing work in the world visit: www.DevoreRealtyGroup.com [http://www.DevoreRealtyGroup.com] &/or connect on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DevoreRealtyGroup [http://www.Facebook.com/DevoreRealtyGroup] or LinkedIn is www.LinkedIn.com/in/BryanDevore [http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BryanDevore] ---------------------------------------- Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨ If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/ [https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/] WATCH HERE:                      OR LISTEN HERE:

Episode 59: A Championship Ticket & A Family’s Shared Love of Sports with Gerontologist Jacob Kendall

Join Martie McNabb as she welcomes gerontologist Jacob Kendall to discuss the stories behind meaningful objects. This episode explores how college football, family, and changing times shape our memories and values. * Jacob Kendall’s connection to Alabama football and his late father through a championship game ticket * The evolution of college football and its impact on lifelong fans * Navigating feelings about memorabilia, memory, and what we leave behind * The importance of traditions, stories, and community beyond physical keepsakes * Jacob Kendall’s work in gerontology and his Four Dimensional Aging model ---------------------------------------- In this episode of Things That Matter, I, Martie McNabb, sat down with Jacob Kendall, a gerontologist passionate about reframing how we see aging. We kicked things off just like show and tell in elementary school, with Jacob Kendall sharing a deeply meaningful object—a ticket stub from the 2012 BCS National Championship game in New Orleans between “his” team Alabama vs LSU. He told me, “The special part of my fandom is my relationship with my dad,” recalling a lifetime of Alabama football games they attended together. Though his father wasn’t at that particular championship game, the ticket still serves as a powerful reminder: “Even when I see this ticket, even though he wasn’t there, I think about him because that was like a culmination of having grown up as an Alabama fan and I finally got to see them win a national title in person” We explored how the landscape of college football has shifted. Jacob Kendall reflected, “Because of these changes, do you find yourself liking the game less and less? My answer is yes. And all their answers are yes.” Despite his nostalgia, he’s faced with the reality that what tied him so tightly to the sport—his father and the shared rituals—have changed, and so has the sport itself. When I asked what should happen to this treasured ticket stub after he’s gone, Jacob Kendall was candid: “I don’t know that I really care especially… it’s becoming more and more of a memory and less and less of tied to a physical thing”. He emphasized that for his family, traditions and stories matter more than possessions. We rounded out our talk with Jacob Kendall sharing his approach to gerontology, challenging one-dimensional views on aging: “If we don’t embrace that reality, then we’re just not gonna be able to address, adequately address, the challenges that come with an aging population” 19:39. His work encourages us all to see aging through a broader, more positive lens—focusing not on decline but on life’s ever-shifting stories and connections. Don’t forget to subscribe for more thoughtful conversations about the things that shape our lives! To find out more about this beautiful human doing important healing work in the world visit: https://www.jacobevanskendall.com/ Or connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobevanskendall/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobevanskendall/ ---------------------------------------- Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨ If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/ WATCH HERE:                     OR LISTEN HERE:

Episode 58: Rugs that tells stories: The Tale of Stripes and Blueberry Muffins with John Davey

As I, Martie McNabb, settle in for another episode of “Things That Matter,” I’m joined by John Davey—a man whose family keepsake is as unique as his story. John sits across from me, a small, handmade rug on his computer screen. He smiles, recalling the Christmas morning surprise when his sister gifted him this hooked rug, unaware that she’d become somewhat of an artist. John describes its “beachy vacation scene” complete with a sailboat, hydrangeas, and a little green house—a nod to childhood vacations on Martha’s Vineyard. But at the center of it all is a detail that makes us both chuckle: a cat named Stripes and a tray of blueberry muffins. As John explains, Stripes had a mischievous habit during their childhood—taking a bite from every muffin left on the table, a story the family still laughs about decades later. We discuss how, now, this rug has been claimed by John’s current cat, Kitty, creating a new chapter in the story. John reflects on the connection between objects and memories, and how the rug, while modest in value, is rich with meaning and family history. It’s not just a piece of décor—it’s a reminder of family life, shared laughter & connection, and the stories that outlast us. Before we wrap, I share ideas for keeping the story alive, perhaps with a sewn-in label or even a QR code, ensuring that long after we’re gone, the tale of Stripes and the blueberry muffins will live on for future generations. Fun Fact: John & his wife Melissa both shared “rug” tales as their Things that matter. Last Oct 2025, I got a chance to walk upon the 100 year old Persian rug that Melissa shared the story of in Episode # I saw the hooked rug in front of their fireplace & just KNEW it told a story too…. I’m so grateful John was willing to be my guest. Family traditions & stories are woven (or hooked) within the very fabric of these pieces of art. John is trying his hand at photography in his third act …. ---------------------------------------- Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨ If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/ WATCH HERE:                    OR LISTEN HERE: